Since forming the Chief Cares foundation in 2013, Eric Church and wife Katherine have been serving people in need in communities throughout the world, including: aiding underprivileged families and children in North Carolina and Tennessee; providing beds and clothing to orphans in Nepal; funding the Humane Society’s no-kill shelters; and delivering aid to Haiti after Hurricane Matthew devastated the country earlier this month.

In addition, the impact of the foundation’s mission was felt domestically last night (Oct. 22) as it donated $1 million toward diabetes research, a cause that is near and dear to the Church family as Eric’s mom suffers from type 1 diabetes.

The JDRF’s Hope Gala held in Charlotte, N.C., was honoring Eric’s parents, Ken and Rita Church, with the Living and Giving Award for their dedication when Eric and Katherine  surprised the 1,000-plus audience to announce the donation.

“Our foundation work and giving to others in need is my absolute favorite thing that we get to do,” said Katherine. “We are blessed to be a blessing. What a special opportunity it is for us to give through Chief Cares and present this gift tonight to JDRF in honor of Rita to eliminate this disease.”

“I can’t think of a more fitting occasion to make Chief Cares’ largest donation than in honor of my mother and her battle with type 1 diabetes,” said Eric.

“JDRF is thrilled and grateful to Eric and Katherine Church for their generous gift to further type 1 diabetes research,” said Laura Maciag, executive director, JDRF Greater Western Carolinas Chapter. “We have made incredible progress to treat, prevent and cure this disease and are at such an exciting stage in our journey. The commitment and dedication of the Church family is extremely appreciated as we move forward in our vision to create a world without type 1 diabetes.”

A tip of the hat to Eric and Katherine for their ongoing philanthropy.